What device is used to measure illumination

The device for measuring lighting allows you to check the level of illumination in any room in a few minutes. With its help, you can control compliance with sanitary standards, diagnose the uniformity of illumination in different places of a room, office or workshop. To perform work in production, you need trusted equipment, for the private sector, ordinary equipment is suitable.

The equipment is easy to use.

What is a luxmeter

If translated from Greek, the name consists of two words "light" and "to measure". The device is used to check the level of illumination. This is a photometer, but it can also be used to control other criteria: the brightness of the light, the ripple factor, it all depends on the model. Most often it is used for such purposes:

1. Checking the quality of lighting in order to add fixtures or move them to another location, if required.
2. Control of compliance of indicators with regulatory ones. This is necessary in offices, industrial premises, in educational and children's preschool institutions.
3. Selection of the lighting mode in places where precise work is performed.
4. Checking the indicators of light sources in greenhouses, greenhouses.
5. The choice of the operating mode of outdoor advertising, signal lighting, etc.

By the way! The device helps to quickly select the exposure during a photo session.

Device and principle of operation

The main working unit is a semiconductor type photocell. Due to its energy from light quanta is transferred to electrons. The electric current formed in this way can be transformed in two ways.

In analog instruments, due to the galvanometer, which causes the movement of the arrow, this allows you to take readings. The digital equipment uses an optical-electronic converter. It digitizes the data and displays it on the display.

Analog options are now rarely used.

In fact, the design always consists of a sensor and a transducer. All measurements are carried out in suites. The range is wide - from tenths to hundreds of thousands of lux.

Material

Most often, the body is made of impact-resistant plastic. Its quality depends on the raw materials and the cost of the device; in expensive models, the material is durable, all elements are precisely fitted to each other.

Also, rubberized pads are often installed on the body, which make the grip more comfortable and prevent the device from slipping out of the hands. As a rule, ergonomics are carefully considered to provide the greatest comfort.

In the split versions, the photo sensor is housed in a separate housing that protects it from impacts.The elements are connected by a twisted wire in wear-resistant insulation.

Weight and dimensions

Typically, the mass of equipment does not exceed 500 g. The most compact options weigh just over 100 g, which makes it easy to store and carry and provides ease of use.

As for the sizes, they vary widely. The height is usually from 8 to 20 cm, while the width can be from 5 to 8 cm with a thickness of 2-4 cm. In separate arrangements, one must also take into account the photocell, which usually has a small size.

Compact design fits easily in your pocket.

Accuracy, accuracy and verification

The primary verification of all equipment entered in the State Register of Measuring Instruments is carried out after its repair or when a new product is put into operation. This is a general procedure that is relevant for instruments whose readings are used as part of official checks. Luxometers used for personal use, it is not necessary to check.

Further verifications are carried out with a frequency of at least 1 time per year. Error rates are checked to determine accuracy. If necessary, the photocell is calibrated, most often the spectral correction of the photosensor is required.

GOST 8.023-2014 gives all the information on checking luxmeters. There is the necessary information, as well as verification conditions.

Variants for measurements in the industry must be verified.

Types of devices

The equipment is divided into several groups depending on the design features and layout of the main modules. All options provide the necessary measurement accuracy and are selected for specific conditions of use.

By board type

There are two main varieties here:

1. Analog options have a scoreboard in the form of a scale with an arrow. They are characterized by simplicity, low price and reliability. Typically, such devices work for many years, but they are not very accurate.
2. Digital Lux meters are an order of magnitude more complex and expensive. But at the same time, they can measure readings up to tenths of lux. This option is used most often.

According to the location of the photocell

On this basis, two types of devices are also distinguished:

1. Monoblocks. In them, the photocell is built into the body of the equipment. They are usually small in size and are well suited for those who take a lot of measurements. More often, the design has an elongated shape, the lens is located in the upper part, and the scoreboard and controls are below it.
2. Models with a remote indicator are a housing and a photocell on a flexible cable about half a meter long. They are convenient for measurements in hard-to-reach places, it is easy to place a photocell even in a limited space.

The remote indicator provides simplicity of measurements in any place.

There are monoblocks in which, if necessary, you can disconnect the sensor and use it as a remote one.

Video review: Light meter LX1010BS (luxmeter).

By functionality

Devices differ in technical capabilities and are divided into three groups:

1. Standard. The simplest and cheapest, work quickly, measure only the level of illumination. The measurement error can be quite large.
2. semi-professional. An order of magnitude higher accuracy. In addition to illumination, they can check the pulsation of light, its brightness, and some other parameters. Often used in enterprises.
3. Professional, expensive and accurate.They have a built-in processor that independently calculates many parameters, calculates the average illumination. Memory saves the results. The most advanced models transmit real-time data to a computer wirelessly. Additional light filters allow you to achieve high accuracy of results.

Professional equipment is distinguished by the highest precision.

For other options

There are several more features by which luxmeters are distinguished:

1. Housing material. Most often it is plastic with a relief surface or an ergonomic option, it fits well in the hand. Many use a rubber grip to improve grip and protect against falls.
2. Power type. Typically, devices have a built-in battery that is charged by the device that comes with the kit. Simpler models run on batteries, they need to be replaced from time to time.
3. Size and weight. Household options are small and weigh a little, have compact dimensions. More advanced models are an order of magnitude larger, but they rarely weigh more than 500 g.

Video review: Luxmeter UNI-T UT383.

What types of light illumination does the indicator measure

Since the spectrum of different light sources is different, for each type they use their own devices, adapted to specific conditions. Typically these are measured types of lighting:

1. Sunlight. Usually they are used by scientists and researchers.
2. Ultraviolet radiation. Such devices are in demand in forensics, science and medicine.
3. neon light. This group of devices is needed in the automotive industry and advertising.
4. artificial lighting. This includes all types of lamps - incandescent, fluorescent, LED, etc.

Most often there are luxmeters for testing artificial lighting.

How to use a light meter

Understanding the measurement process is not difficult, the main thing is to take into account the design features and follow simple instructions:

1. First of all, read the instruction manual. As a rule, there is a detailed description of the process - from inclusion to the introduction of settings depending on the indicators being checked.
2. Turn on the device and install the appropriate lens, if they are interchangeable. Install the photocell in a horizontal position at the required height, press the appropriate button and read the result.
3. If the device is professional, you need to set the type of measurement, set the sensitivity depending on the characteristics of the lighting.

From the video you will learn: How to measure the degree illumination in the room using a smartphone.

With the help of a light meter, you can quickly determine the illumination in any room or outdoors. The main thing is to properly configure it and place it in a suitable place.